Dr. Russell K. Dean, senior associate provost since 1999, has been named vice provost effective Sept. 1. This title change is the result of Dean’s recently completed five-year review process and more accurately reflects the level and scope of his duties in the Provost’s Office.

Dr. Ken Blemings, appointed interim academic officer of the WVUHonors College on July 1, was named interim dean of the Honors College, effective immediately upon his appointment. McConnell believes that it is important for the leader of the Honors College to be a dean because the Honors College is involved in ongoing and critical academic planning with other academic deans.

Finally, effective immediately, associate provost for community engagement and outreach Gypsy Denzine, who joined WVU in October 2013, no longer directly oversees the WVU Extension Service but will instead focus on outreach being done in academic units across campus and on working with colleges to secure significant national grants. The Extension Service, currently seeking a new dean/director, will report directly through that position to Provost McConnell.

“Our Extension Service is at the heart of our role in the state,” McConnell explained, “and its leader needs to have a seat at the table alongside all the other academic deans. Meanwhile, Dr. Denzine has so much experience and expertise in outreach at all levels that we are lucky to have her as part of our leadership team.

“These title changes and changes in responsibility are tremendously positive reflections of caliber of the leadership we have in academic affairs at WVU,” McConnell said. “I am excited to be working with so many talented people who are so passionately dedicated to this university, its students, faculty, and outside constituencies.”